Your name is more than just a word — it is your legal identity. Whether you are changing your name after marriage, correcting a spelling mistake, adopting a new surname, or making a personal or religious change, it is essential to make the change legally valid across all official records.
In India, the Gazette Notification for Name Change is the most authoritative and permanent legal proof of a name change. Without it, most government departments, banks, educational institutions, and passport authorities will not accept your updated name.
This professionally curated guide explains everything you need to know about Gazette Name Change in India — from eligibility and documents to step-by-step procedures, government fees, timelines, common mistakes, and FAQs. After reading this guide, you won’t need to visit any other website.
A Gazette Notification for Name Change is an official public notice published by the Government of India announcing that a person has legally changed their name. Once published, it becomes a permanent government record and acts as valid proof for updating all documents.
There are two types of gazettes in India:
State Gazette – Issued by State Governments
Central Gazette – Issued by the Government of India
For universal acceptance across India, the Central Gazette is always recommended.
🔗 Learn more here: Gazette notification for name change
Example:
If your old name was Rahul Kumar and you want to change it to Rahul Sharma, the new name will be officially published in the Gazette. This Gazette notification allows you to update your Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, bank records, and other documents.
The Gazette name change process is open to:
Adults (18 years and above)
Minors (application filed through parents or legal guardians)
Government Employees
Changing a name is a legal process, not just a personal decision. Government authorities require official proof to ensure authenticity and prevent identity fraud.
A Gazette for Name Change is necessary because:
It serves as legal proof of your new name
It is mandatory for updating Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Bank Accounts
It is required for service records, property documents, school certificates
It resolves spelling mistakes and name mismatches permanently
Without a Gazette, most name changes are not accepted
🔗 Detailed guide: Gazette for name change
Central Gazette vs State Gazette (Explained Simply):
Issued By:
Central Gazette – Government of India
State Gazette – State Government
Acceptance:
Central Gazette – Valid all over India
State Gazette – Valid only within the state
Passport & Visa:
Central Gazette – Accepted
State Gazette – Not accepted
Aadhaar Update:
Central Gazette – Accepted
State Gazette – Not accepted
Government Jobs:
Central Gazette – Central & State jobs
State Gazette – State jobs only
Processing Time:
Central Gazette – 30–45 days
State Gazette – 60–70 days
Expert Advice: Always choose the Central Gazette to avoid future issues.
🔗 Official Central Gazette portal: Central Gazette
The gazette name change process follows a legally defined structure. Missing even one step can lead to rejection.
🔗 Full overview: gazette name change
An affidavit is a sworn declaration stating that both the old and new names belong to the same person.
Affidavit must include:
Old name and new name
Full address
Date of birth
Reason for name change (marriage, correction, religion, etc.)
Declaration that both names refer to the same person
The affidavit is prepared on ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper and notarized.
Expert Tip: Keep 4–5 photocopies for future use.
You must publish a name change advertisement in one local newspaper.
Advertisement must contain:
Old name and new name
Address
Statement confirming both names belong to the same person
Advertisement text must be in English
Expert Tip: Preserve at least 4–5 newspaper copies.
Submit the Gazette name change application along with supporting documents to the Department of Publication (Delhi).
Documents required for submission:
Gazette application form
Affidavit
Newspaper advertisement
Two passport-size photographs
Identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID)
CD containing MS Word file of name change matter
Government fee receipt from Bharatkosh
🔗 Official payment portal: Bharatkosh
Newspaper advertisement older than 6 months
Incorrect MS Word formatting in CD
Use of whitener or overwriting
Incorrect photo format
Name mismatch with ID proof
Expert Advice: Double-check every document before submission.
To ensure smooth processing, prepare the following documents carefully:
Name change application form
Name change affidavit
Newspaper advertisement
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
CD with MS Word file
Fee receipt from Bharatkosh
Approximate Government Fees & Timelines:
Simple Name Change (Adult): ₹1,100 | 30–40 days
Name Change After Marriage: ₹1,100 | 30–40 days
Public Notice / Correction: ₹1,400 | 30–40 days
Minor Name Change: ₹1,700 | 40–45 days
Follow these steps on the Bharatkosh portal:
Visit Bharatkosh website
Choose Quick Payment (Non-Registered User)
Select Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Select “Cell of Gazette (PAO Printing, New Delhi)”
Enter fee amount
Enter remarks as “Name Change”
Make payment via UPI / card / net banking
Download and save receipt
Expert Tip: Keep multiple copies of the receipt.
Visit Central Gazette website
Search by Gazette Category
Select WEEKLY GAZETTE → PART IV
Choose Saturday publication date
Download PDF and search your name
Expert Tip: Save the PDF and print multiple copies.
Once published, update your name in the following documents:
Aadhaar Card – UIDAI website or Aadhaar center
PAN Card – NSDL / UTIITSL
Passport – Passport Seva Kendra
Bank Accounts – Branch visit
Driving License – Parivahan portal or RTO
Women changing their surname after marriage must publish a Gazette notification.
Additional documents required:
Marriage certificate
Wife’s ID proof
Husband’s ID proof
Passport-size photographs of both
In cases of divorce or religious conversion, Gazette notification is mandatory.
Additional documents:
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Religious change affidavit (if applicable)
Identity and address proof
Yes, but the entire legal process must be repeated.
Yes. A Gazette notification is valid permanently.
For major mismatches, Central Gazette is the safest option.
No. Applications can be sent by registered post from anywhere in India.
Adults: ₹1,100 | Minors: ₹1,700 | Govt Employees: ₹1,400
Applying for a Gazette notification can be complex and time-consuming. Professional assistance ensures accuracy, faster processing, and zero rejections.
ADVOCATE ADVICE provides end-to-end online Gazette Name Change services — from affidavit drafting to final publication. Their expert team has helped thousands of individuals across India.
✔ 100% Online Process
✔ Experienced Legal Professionals
✔ Fast & Reliable Service
If you want a stress-free Gazette Name Change, professional help is the smartest choice.